Open All Night: The USA's Best 24-Hour Restaurants

Chain diners are great when you want something reliable and hearty at midnight, but they’re certainly not the only option when it comes to 24-hour dining.

The following independent restaurants, cafes and bakeries are some of the country’s finest around-the-clock establishments, providing a satisfying meal with a smile no matter what time you roll in.

R. Thomas’ Deluxe Grill: Atlanta, Georgia

This family-owned joint has been around since the ‘80s and originally started life as a burger restaurant. These days, they serve up healthy entrees (including vegetarian/vegan, raw and macrobiotic options) as well as filling all-day breakfasts.

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Tolly Ho: Lexington, Kentucky

Tolly Ho is famous for their burger selection (including the provocatively-named “Super Ho” half-pounder) and chilli cheese fries. The wooden-clad interior and pinball machines give the place a casual yet fun vibe.

Pete’s Kitchen: Denver, Colorado

Perhaps one of the only “diners” where you can get Greek gyros at all times of day, Pete’s offers up a quirky atmosphere and a Mediterranean menu alongside American classics.

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Doughboy Donuts and Deli: Boston, Massachusetts

Doughboy serves up reassuring classics like pizza, lasagna, fried chicken and burgers throughout the day, but keeps their doughnut counter open throughout the night to satisfy those midnight sweet-and-deep-fried cravings.

The Kettle: Manhattan Beach, California

This country-style diner offers home cooked American comfort food (think pot roasts, meatloaf and crab cakes) and a mouthwatering breakfast menu. They also have an exterior patio if you’re visiting during the day.

Verti Marte: New Orleans, Louisiana

This market-cum-deli isn’t a place to sit and linger, but if you’re you’ve got a hankering for some Creole-style sandwiches at an ungodly hour, this should be your only stop in NOLA.

Liliha Bakery: Honolulu, Hawaii

Liliha has been open since the 1950s, so you know they’re doing something right. They’re famous for their cream puffs and poi donuts, but also serve a delicious breakfast menu. Only open 24 hours from Tuesday morning to Sunday evening—another reason to dislike Mondays.

Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp: Chicago, Illinois

Let’s face it: everything tastes better fried, especially at one o’clock in the morning. So the menu staples of fried shrimp, seafood, fish and chicken at Lawrence's taste sinfully good. Top them with some house-made hot sauce and you’ve got yourself a plateful fit for kings.

READ MORE: Where to Go on Chicago’s Restaurant Row

Al’s Deli and Grill: Birmingham, Alabama

This American-Mediterranean eatery doesn’t scrimp on portion sizes and has a great outdoor patio if you manage to make it there during daylight. Entrees cover everything from kebab and falafel to overstuffed baked potatoes, omelets and pita sandwiches.

Red Arrow: Manchester, New Hampshire

This place has got some history behind it (almost 100 years, in fact) and still retains the aesthetic of an old-fashioned diner. The baked goods here are decadent (think fruity pies and piled-high cream cakes) and the savory menu is overwhelmingly big. Go ahead and make your own burger from the toppings available and round it out with a side of fried mac n’ cheese balls.